1 Kings 19:1-5
Ahab told Jezebel everything that Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2 So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “May the gods punish me and do so severely if I don’t make your life like the life of one of them by this time tomorrow!” 3 Then Elijah became afraid and immediately ran for his life. When he came to Beer-sheba that belonged to Judah, he left his servant there, 4 but he went on a day’s journey into the wilderness. He sat down under a broom tree and prayed that he might die. He said, “I have had enough! Lord, take my life, for I’m no better than my fathers.” 5 Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree.
Depression to a Christian is like Kryptonite to Superman. It makes one weak as what we see happened to Elijah. Elijah was a man of faith. He prayed that it wouldn’t rain for 3 ½ years (James 5:17-18) and it happened. He fought with the prophets of Baal and won victoriously, but what happened to Elijah happens to all of us. Satan uses “depression” as one of his greatest weapons of spiritual warfare for believers. Depression completely disables your faith, trust, and confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ and makes one lose all hope.
Depression works by redirecting our focus away from Jesus and putting it on the mountain of troubles which seem dire and impossible to overcome. What is the solution to depression? The solution is the promises found in the Bible. We know 100% that Jesus’ promises come to pass and the more we read the Word of God, the stronger our faith becomes since we are filling our minds with His promises which gives hope no matter how unconquerable our troubles might seem, resolve not to worry and go to Jesus in prayer and seek His face (Philippians 4:6-7) and you will see God’s deliverance. When Jesus gives you rest from your troubles and comforts you, remember to comfort those who are going through the same thing just like you did and were comforted. There is always hope in Jesus Christ.
Below are some of God’s promises that will encourage you not to give up.
Psalms 55:22
Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.
Joshua 1:9
Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
John 10:28
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish—ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand.
Matthew 11:28
“Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Philippians 4:6-7
6 Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Spiritual Minefield 